Christians are a tiny minority community in India, just about 2.3% of the total population. Yet, the contribution of this miniscule community in healthcare sector, besides the other fields like education, social action and so on, has been remarkable and effective. This Health Directory reveals that 85% of the healthcare facilities offered by the Catholic Church are in remote villages. Most of these areas are totally or partially deprived of adequate healthcare structures and services. Statistically the Catholic Church has 764 hospitals, 2587 dispensaries and health centers, 70 rehabilitation centers, 108 centers for the mentally challenged, 162 non-formal health facilities, 165 leprosaria, 418 healthcare centers for the aged, 61 centers for alternate systems of cure, 113 medical training centers and 4 medical colleges. It is an unparallel and constructive service in nation building. The preferential option of the Church to serve the poor, the sick and the marginalized definitely has made a significant impact on the lives of the people. Church’s emphasis on alternative systems of healthcare, out-reach programmes through mobile medical units, preventive health education, community health programmes and so on are major steps taken in the right direction. This Directory will serve as a valuable resource book and a useful tool for networking among health care institutions in the country.

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